The BBC has confirmed the total raised for Children in Need 2026, with the appeal show concluding on Friday, 13 November. The final figure stands at £38,720,170, as announced by host Mel Giedroyc during the live broadcast.
The annual event returned to screens on Friday night with presenters including Alex Jones, Mel Giedroyc, Rylan, Sara Cox and Tyler West. The BBC had earlier promised "a spectacular evening of entertainment, warmth and sparkle, with more than a sprinkle of Hollywood stardust", featuring a special Strictly performance, a prank on Rylan by the Dune cast, and emotional stories shared throughout.
Total confirmed as show ends
As the live show drew to a close, Mel confirmed the total raised for Children in Need: £38,720,170. This compares with £45,507,536 raised on the night of the 2025 appeal show.
Signing off the show, Alex said: "To the millions of children and young people out there, remember, Children in Need is here for you." Sara urged viewers: "Keep the donations coming in!" Mel added: "We're so grateful to each and every one of you for your support."
Owain Wyn Evans completes cycling challenge
The grand total follows BBC radio presenter Owain Wyn Evans completing his four nations cycling challenge in Cardiff on Friday, having raised £3,853,530. He finished a five-day cycle ride across Scotland, Northern Ireland, England and Wales.
As he crossed the finish line with his bike, Shania Chain, Owain said: "Thank you so much everyone, from me and Shania. Honestly, this has felt so far away for such a long time. I can't believe that I'm here with this welcome and the sun's out!"
He added: "Just reflecting on what it's been like. We're doing it all for an amazing cause, Children In Need. There are so many children who need our help and who will be helped by all the donations."
Hosts reflect on the event
Ahead of the broadcast, The One Show host Alex said: "It means the absolute world to be part of the team for the big night of Children in Need, I have watched it avidly since I was a little girl and Sir Terry Wogan was at the helm."
She continued: "It was always one of the big highlights of the year. And more recently for me, The One Show has always been very much at the heart of Children in Need, as we will be again this year with our Challenge Squad, so it feels amazing to be there with Pudsey on his big night." Children in Need is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
